Returning Korikwang outshines Aprot 10K Trials

Sweet and sour moments were experienced on the first day of the National Championships as Pauline Korikwang announced her comeback in the track with a victory  in the 10,000m women’s final.

Enrote to her victory Korikwang upset defending Africa Championships title holder Alice Aprot and Africa Junior Champion Sandrafelis Chebet as they booked the first three available slots in Team Kenya for the Africa Championships slated August 1-5 in Asaba, Nigeria.

“I feel happy with how my body has responded after missing out for long due to hip injury. I shall go polish on a few things as I target top podium place in Nigeria,” Korikwang said.

Korikwang stopped the timer at 31 minutes 51.1 seconds to make a second victory after bagging the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Championships title two weeks ago.  While 2016 Africa Cross Country champion Aprot settled for second place in 31.59.1 as Chebet took second runners up place in 32.16.5 .

Abuda heartbreak

Though he secured his ticket to Nigeria,  Dominc Abunda is not a happy man after receiving news that his national record in the hammer throw will not be ratified.

The visibly abset Abunda, tried seeking help from officails but was told that his record of 62.45m could not be ratified because proper facilities were not set up. The technical officals could not explain why the the hammer cage,wind sock and other facilities were not organised for at the National Championships.

“I’m happy that I was able to break my own record from 61.38m to 62.45. Though I have nothing to show that I set the National record now it have go unratified. I wish field events were taken seriously as other disciplines because they understand the rules of engagement,. I hope I will get a chance to prove myself and talent in Nigeria,” said a disappointed Abuda.

Abunda of KDF was the only athlete in hammer throw that qualified for the Africa Championships after hiting past the 59.50m mark. His colleagues Dennis Sakwa and Adelbert Miseveni missed the qualifying mark after making throws of 57.22m and 55.65m as they bagged silver and bronze medals for their team.

As the three day championships continue at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, World and Commonwealt Games medalist  Elijah Manangoi (3:48.37) , Timothy Cheruiyot (3:46.54), Charles Simotwo (3:46.75 Kumari Taki (3:46.88) will be among the 1500m race favourites that will hunt the three slots in Team Kenya on Saturday during the finals.

While Commonwealth Games silver and 2016 under 20, 3000m steeplechase champion will battle it out against Olympian Beatrice Chepkoech for the National title as they plot on making to the team.